Game of Thrones finale: Who won the Iron Throne and how does season 8 end?

*​Spoiler warning for Game of Thrones season 8 episode 6*

*Spoiler warning for the final episode of Game of Thrones season 8*

The sixth and final episode of Game of Thrones has aired, after years of fan speculation about the aftermath of the epic battle at King’s Landing.

Last week’s episode showed Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) follow in her father’s footsteps to become the Mad Queen, killing thousands of innocent civilians in the process.

The controversial plot twist led to Jon Snow (Kit Harington) ending Dany’s life, and watching as her body was carried off by a mourning Drogon – who first destroys the Iron Throne out of rage and grief.

Yet even with the Iron Throne melted into nothing, the Six (yes, it’s now six, not seven) Kingdoms still need a king or queen to rule over them.

Who has ended up in that position was, it is safe to say, not who fans were expecting.

Generally predictions for who would end up ruling fell to either Daenerys, Jon Snow or Sansa Stark. Perhaps Tyrion. Maybe no one.

However, Tyrion made a (sort of) convincing case for why it should be Bran, apparently inventing democracy in the process. Bran is memory, he explains, and will be able to lead everyone into the future.

One of the key themes explored across the Game of Thrones series has been how humans are inherently flawed by the very things that make them human: love, arrogance, etc.

(You can find a ranking of every character – from worst best – here and the same for every character below)

Bran, who has made it clear several times that he does not “want” anything anymore and isn’t really even Bran Stark, will be able to be a just and wise ruler whose apathy is being viewed as an asset.

The show is available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NowTV in the UK.